Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Spending Two Days in Nashville? Here's my Recommended Itinerary!

As a follow up to my One Day in Nashville Itinerary, and for those fortunate enough to stick around longer than just a day in town, here's your Itinerary for Two Days in Nashville. Be sure to follow this agenda in order - I've set it up to optimize your day with the most efficient travel pattern throughout the city. It's most definitely a full day, but one that I'm certain you can pull off with your mad traveler expertise.

Let's start off day two in my favorite neighborhood in town, East Nashville.

Marche Artisan Foods
Nothing beats your day beginning with one of my favorite brunches in all of Nashville. Their always evolving menu is full of wonderful options that never fail to impress. Try a crepe, and/or (recommended: and) literally the best french toast I've ever eaten in my life.

1000 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206

1108 Shops at Woodland
Just around the block lives a collection of precious boutiques. Vintage clothing, books, antiques are all gathered together for an eclectic and fun shopping experience. Good Buy Girls and Hello Boys are among my faves.

1108 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206Shoppes on Fatherland
Just a few blocks up the road is another group of boutique stores. Definitely walkable from your previous locale, and just as much fun. Don't miss Baxter and Bailey if you have a dog (or cat), Thrive for earth-friendly products, and Moxie for a cute made in Nashville poster or other unique gifts.

1006 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Jenis
I know you just had brunch but you must make room in your stomach for the best ice cream in the world, and if you've truly hit the ground and rigorously shopped as I would, this should not be an issue. I never let a visitor come see me in Nashville without giving Jeni's a try. Goat Cheese & Red Cherries and Brown Butter Almond Brittle will change your life, and sample as many flavors as your heart desires.

1892 Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

Old Made Good
Probably my favorite shop in all of Nashville, just down Gallatin Pike from your previous destinations. These ladies truly have an eye for art, fashion, and design. Great local products and a floor entirely comprised of gold glitter round out this incredible spot.

3701B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

Opryland Hotel
Touristy? Absolutely. Impressive? Oh yeah. One of largest 'non-gaming' resort in the United States, Opryland Hotel is a sight to behold. You'll find indoor canals and mini-cities, beautiful plants, fountains, chandeliers, and even waterfalls. Take a canal tour and learn more about the hotel's fascinating story.

Be sure to park in the mall lot, near the Grand Ole Opry House. Parking at the hotel is crazy expensive, and free at the mall.

2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

Time to head South to Downtown Franklin, one of the most picturesque towns in America.

Downtown Franklin
Still haven't gotten enough shopping in? Take a stroll through historic Main Street - admire the architecture and take a moment to browse the assortment of high-end shops. I love walking through the Iron Gate and dreaming up home decorating ideas, browsing Binks Outfitters for my Southern attire, and taking my girlfriends to Haven to check out the latest in fabulous women's fashion. If you're in need of a snack, pop into Puckett's Grocery for some of their divine Sweet Potato Fries.

Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064

Carnton Plantation
Hands down my favorite historic tour in all of Nashville. The Carnton Plantation served as a Civil War hospital, and is the final resting place place for over 1,500 confederate soldiers. The story behind this place is fascinating, and the grounds are beyond gorgeous.1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN Finally, let's round out your day with a beautiful bridge and southern cookin'.

Natchez Trace Bridge
Head out to the true countryside, and enjoy a moment of peace on the Natchez Trace. Drive right up Hwy. 96 to the double arch bridge, and follow the signs to access the Parkway. Cross the bridge and park in the lot on your left, and enjoy the spectacular views.Old Hwy. 96 & Natchez Trace Pwky

What better way to end your day than with a meal at quite possibly our most famous 'Meat and 3' in town, the Loveless Cafe (note to you non-southerners: a meat and 3 is simply what it sounds like - a meat and three sides of southern-style cooking.) Some of the best biscuits and jam you'll ever eat, breakfast all day, fried chicken and mashed potatoes await you at this former-hotel-turned-restaurant. Another touristy stop, but one that is well worth its hype.

8400 Tennessee 100, Nashville, TN 37221Evening plans?

If you have any energy left in you for the night, head back to East Nashville and hit the town after dinner. Grab hand crafted cocktails at Holland House or no. 308, and round out your evening at 5 Points, with 3 Crow Bar, Red Door, and the 5 Spot.

Can't wait to try some of these stops on a trip next week. We're coming from Memphis for a Friday/Saturday girls trip (AC2Live tickets at the Rhyman). I'm trying to put together a great itinerary for the 3 of us but being new to TN in general I'm ill-equipped! This helps. Any other suggestions for afternoon respites or pre-show hotspots would be SO helpful.